Obedience

“Cursed is anyone who denies justice to foreigners, orphans or widows’ And all the people will reply ‘Amen” Deuteronomy 27: 19 NLT

We do not learn a lot about Ruth’s relationship with the Hebrew family she married into. Whether her actions are because of the Hebrew law, out of love for Naomi or just her character, we cannot say for certain. I believe Ruth learned a lot about the law and Hebrew traditions from her time spent with Naomi. I am also a firm believer in “Actions speak louder than words” and it’s in our actions the world should see Christ in us.In the letters of the law, God ensured that widows, orphans, foreigners and the poor are taken care off in their community. In those days the widows who have no children or family to take care of them where destitute. Naomi’s husband and sons died and Ruth was determined to take care of Naomi, even though she was widowed herself. Through this selfless act, Ruth was being obedient to this law.

I love that God enforces this law in the New Testament too when we read 1 Timothy 5:3-4. Yes, it is our responsibility as members of the Body of Christ to honour and take care of the widows.

“When you harvest the crops of your land, do not harvest the grain along the edges of your fields, and do not pick up what the harvesters drop. Leave it for the poor and the foreigners living among you. I am the Lord your God.” Leviticus 23:22

A second Hebrew law is actioned when Ruth decided to go out and look for a field to clean crops. What an amazing act of God to provide for His children. Within this law, I see hope. Hope for the poor to find their physical nourishment in their community and also hope to know that God is Jehovah Jireh and will provide not only for our physical needs but also our emotional and spiritual needs too. When Ruth found favour to glean on the fields owned by Boaz, he gave her instructions to stay close to the women on his fields. This was not only for her protection but also for companionship.

Ruth Relationship Advice: Our obedience should be seen in our actions when we live the Words of God in everything we do. The way we walk and talk in the world should be a mirror image of God’s Word.

Prayer: Father, thank You for giving us Your Words to follow and for giving us Your law to guide us to be obedient in our daily lives. I pray and ask that my obedience is seen in my actions and that this will reach the hearts of others to search for You. Thank You for your love and provision for Your children. Amen.

Written by Pastor Iriza 

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